Best Christmas Destinations: Munich

If you want spending the holiday season and Christmas in Munich, you are in for a real treat. Atmospheric Christmas markets spring up all over Munich’s Old Town, churches and cathedrals are filled with holiday singing and organ recitals, and Munich’s shopping streets are decked out in sparkling Christmas decoration. And all that with the romantic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps.  Munich is a wonderful city to enjoy the holiday season.

 Winter in the Bavarian capital means a hundred-foot-tall Christmas tree in the Marienplatz, about two dozen Christmas markets (weekdays draw fewer crowds), and mulled wine and gingerbread, served on a tram that crosses the old city.

Munich’s famous Christmas market, the Christkindl Markt, which dates back to 1642, is celebrated on the city’s central square, Marienplatz, in the heart of the Old Town. A 100-feet high Christmas tree towers over traditionally decorated booths,  which offer everything from mulled wine, and gingerbread, to Bavarian woodcarvings, handmade toys, and glass crystals. Don’t miss the traditional Christmas concerts that are held every day at 5.30 p.m. on the balcony of Munich's Town Hall.

Munich’s manger market (Kripperlmarket), in walking distance to the city’s famous Christkindlmarkt, dates back to 1757. It is devoted to mangers and nativity figures made in Germany. From baby Jesus, and the Christmas angel, to animals, lanterns for the barn, and the gifts of the three Magi, the manger market offers wonderful souvenirs and everything you’ll need to create your own nativity scene.

What’s the holiday season without Christmas carols? One of the most atmospheric spots to listen to German Christmas music is the impressive Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), whose twin towers are a landmark of Munich's skyline. Throughout December, Bavarian choirs and musicians herald the season with classical concerts, organ recitals, and music-filled church services.

The Tollwood Winter Festival features an international Christmas market, where you can hunt for treasures from around the world and sample organic ethnic food. Locals love this festival for its colorful cultural program, which is famous for its world music, art workshops, and theatre and circus performances.

In the center of Munich’s royal Residence, you’ll find a Christmas village, complete with a little chapel and a life-seized nativity scene. Watch traditional toymakers, goldsmiths, wood carvers, glassblowers, and knife grinders at work, while the kids take a ride on historic carousels or meet Nikolaus, the German Santa Claus. There is also a stage with daily live music and entertainment.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours at (602) 843-5100 to book your holiday travel today. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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